Fossil Explorer app

Let us know what you think

If you used the app, we would appreciate your feedback. This will help us develop new resources for fossil hunters.

Please take a minute to complete a short surveyopens in a new window after you have used the app.

Fossil hunting advice

Fossil hunting is a rewarding and relatively inexpensive activity. However, there are a few important things to remember.

• Be aware of health and safety risks. Follow the Geological Association fieldwork guidelinesopens in a new window.
• You are free to collect fossils distributed loose along the British coastline, but there is a code of conduct and you shouldn't in most instances hammer fossils out of cliffs. Read more on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee websiteopens in a new window.
• In other places you will need to get permission from the landowner.
• Some locations (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are protected by law. You can go and look, but you mustn't collect from them.
• The Geologists' Associationopens in a new window maintains a list of local geological groups and runs Rockwatchopens in a new window geology club for younger collectors.
• The British Geological Surveyopens in a new window provides a wide range of resources about British geology, including information on fossils.